IFJ calls on Hamas government to stop harassing journalists in Gaza Strip

Forty-two journalists have been targeted by Hamas forces in the past five days while covering street protests against falling living standards in the Gaza Strip. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) joins its affiliate the Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate (PJS) in demanding the de facto government in Gaza controlled by Hamas end the violence against and arrest of journalists.

In a statement published on 18th March 2019, the PJS called on journalists to join a protest in Ramallah to condemn the attacks.

According
to PJS, in just the past 5 days 20 arrests, 10 physical assaults, 6
summons, 4 threats, 2 cases of home arrest and equipment seized have
been recorded.

IFJ General secretary Anthony Bellanger said: “We demand Hamas stop their attacks and intimidations against the press immediately. Our colleagues working in the Gaza Strip must be able to report freely on the current situation. We demand that all our colleagues are set free immediately. Journalism is not a crime.”